10 Nutrition Tips To Help Avoid Becoming Hypothyroid

Top 10 nutrition tips to avoid becoming hypothyroid

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped, hormone secreting gland located in the neck. It is a powerful gland and its impact extends to every cell of the body. Chief functions include body temperature regulation, weight loss management, metabolism management and energy channeling in the body. Hypothyroid is a condition where the thyroid gland is underactive. Hypothyroidism is the most common thyroid disorder and is fast becoming a potential epidemic.

Undiagnosed suffering may last many years and symptoms often seem to overlap with those of other diseases. Like in the case of a myriad of other diseases, it’s best to adopt preventive nutritional measures, to fight this disease before it starts. Prevention of becoming hypothyroid, is key.

Here Are 10 Tips

1) Healthy Fat Intake

Foods like sugar, caffeine, refined carbs and artificial sweeteners should be kept at bay as much as possible. An intake of healthy fats and healthy protein sources should be increased, if you are trying to avoid getting hypothyroidism. Healthy fats help build thyroid hormones. Scarce intake of these fats can lead to hormonal imbalances and an underactive thyroid, making you hypothyroid. Avocado, ghee, milk, nuts, olive oil and seeds contain healthy fats.

Hydrogenated polyunsaturated fats like canola corn oil and soy interfere with thyroid production and should be avoided.

2) More Protein in Food

Proteins are among the most essential macronutrients. Through proteins, hybrid hormones are transformed into the organs, tissues and cells. Thyroid functions are normalized, to a great extent, through the intake of plant based proteins. Include them in your daily diet.

3) A Few Iodine Rich Foods (First, know your iodine levels)

The body requires iodine in the production of the thyroid hormone. Iodine is an essential mineral and a lack of it in daily diet can lead to underactivity in the thyroid gland. Iodine supplements can also be taken in consultation with the doctor. Natural iodine sources are fish, sea vegetables, asparagus, Himalayan salt, Celtic Sea Salt, mushrooms, beans, eggs and yogurt.

4) Glutathione Deficiency Monitoring

Glutathione is an antioxidant with great power to heal the thyroid tissues. Though the liver produces glutathione, a poor dietary regime might often lead to deficiency of it. Foods that aid in glutathione production include asparagus, garlic, avocados, organic red meat, turmeric, eggs, tomatoes and bananas. Some cruciferous vegetables like cabbage and broccoli also contain glutathione.

5) Don’t Want Hypothyroid Issues, Cook Your Goitrogens First

Goitrogens are compounds that deter thyroid functionalities. There are several natural and healthy food that contain this compound. Examples include kale, watercress, cabbage, broccoli, millet, pears and peanuts. These foods are being avoided, which should not be the case. However, care should be taken not to eat them raw.

6) Soy Elimination

Compounds like phytoestrogens and goitrogens present in soy, make it difficult for the thyroid to function properly. Studies have often indicated that eating soyincreases thyroid issues. Soy products can be eliminated safely as there is no specific nutritional need for soy in the body. (Soy is generally modified and can also have other fatal effects like, birth defects and cancer.)

7) A Gluten-Free Diet Is Necessary (To Avoid Being Hypothyroid)

Antibodies intolerance can be a major reason behind a less functional thyroid gland. Especially, when there is Hashimoto’s disease. The molecular structure of gliadin, the protein portion of gluten, closely resembles the thyroid gland. When gliadin breaches the protective barrier of the gut and enters the bloodstream, the immune system puts it in the ‘queue’ for destruction. These antibodies to gliadin also cause the body to attack thyroid tissue. Eating foods that contain gluten, means that your immune system will attack your thyroid if you are prone to thyroid disease.

8) Adrenal Gland Care Is Key

Adrenal gland care is tantamount to caring for your health and your thyroid. They are so small, no bigger than a walnut and rest on top of your kidneys, but they are responsible for one of the most important functions in your body, managing your stress.Food habits should be devised to take special care of the adrenal glands. Plenty of rest and vitamin C, can assist your adrenal function. If there is a chance you are Hypothyroid, or show any symptoms of adrenal fatigue, get checked by your healthcare or functional medicine doctor.

9) Thyroid Endocrine Disruptor Elimination

Apart from food sources like gluten and soy that might be harmful to the thyroid, there are several other things to consider to avoid becoming hypothyroid. Such things like non-stick cookware, heavy metals, BPAs, plastic bottles and bromine need to be eliminated and avoided. Switch to stainless steel water bottles and cooking utensils. Chlorine and fluoride should be avoided to help prevent becoming hypothyroid, as well. Use fluoride free toothpaste whenever possible.

10) Use A Lead Thyroid Collar

The thyroid gland bears extreme sensitivity to radiation. X-rays of the head, neck, or collarbone area, need to done with a lead thyroid collar. When getting X-rayed, even at the dentists office, to avoid being needlessly exposed to radiation, ask for a lead thyroid collar.

About the Author

Zara Brown, is a blogger and freelance writer. She loves
reading blogs, and writing for them on various themes like Travel,
Auto, Lifestyle, Education and Health. As of now, she is doing
research on EHIC cards. Follow her on Google+.

This article is offered under Creative Commons license. It’s okay to republish it anywhere as long as attribution bio is included and all links remain intact.

Questions or anything to ask Zara about becoming hypothyroid and prevention? We want your thoughts in the comments section–Please!

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3 comments

Greetings from the Philippines!
I’ve been suffering hypothyroidism for four years now and am taking 75 mcg levothyroxine, is it safe for me to have injectable glutathione? Thank you for your reply and have agood day!